I have an obsession with all things cheeseburger. It’s a problem sometimes when it causes me to wake up at 3 am and seriously consider traveling somewhere to get one… And I’m always dreaming up ways to create dishes that taste like cheeseburgers…things like Cheeseburger Pizza and Cheeseburger Meatloaf,or the Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Salad. And of course, this amazingly delicious Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup. [Read more…]

There are a few things in life my husband is passionate about: woodworking, Christ, not touching the computer screen with your finger, and Chicken ‘n Dumplings.

I knew when we got married that he was crazy about them…and that kept me from making them. I was afraid I would bomb it royally and he’d wonder, “why did I marry this sorry excuse for a woman who can’t make dumplings?”

See, my Mama didn’t teach me to make this dish. She doesn’t like it, so she never made it.

I didn’t even eat them for the first time until after Barry and I were married. I’ll be honest – they’re not my favorite.

I’d rather have a hamburger. But, in order to make my man happy, I decided I would learn how to make his favorite dish. [Read more…]

For as long as I can remember, my Mama has made this soup. She has spoiled me. I can’t even touch the “tomato soup” in a can. What is that stuff anyway? It tastes like a big bowl of nothingness to me. Yuck! (No offense to my husband and dad who actually like that stuff.)

This recipe is SO easy and SO frugal that I just had to share it. I’m tickled that my mom is letting you in on some of her awesome recipes like this and Sausage Macaroni. Can you tell that I was fed well as a child? Annie loves this soup now too! She gobbles it down and begs for more. So, pull up to the computer with your grilled cheese and let’s make soup! [Read more…]

Barry and I are HUGE fans of venison. I was raised on ground venison…so it’s not unusual to me. I was blessed to marry a hunter…even more blessed that he doesn’t make me come along with him to hunt. *Snore fest*

Venison is really great for you! If you can get your hands on some, I would highly recommend it. Ask around. Do your friends hunt? If so, they might be willing to give you some of their plunder, only charging you for the processing. SCORE! [Read more…]

I love soup. Soup of any kind. I could eat it for lunch and dinner everyday and never get sick of it. Okay, maybe eventually, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Soup is perfect for any time of the year, and is a great meal that takes only seconds to prepare once it’s already made. We love having soup for lunches in our house. It’s the perfect meal to make ahead, freeze, and then stick in the crockpot when you are ready to make it.

In my house we do freezer cooking, which means taking one long day and making all our meals for the month. I make 2-3 batches of this soup on that day, which gives me soup all month long. [Read more…]

Nothing is much more comforting on a rainy or cool day than Beef Stew. Here sharing her recipe is my friend, Mary, from The Encouraging Home. Thanks Mary!

I love beef stew or stew beef…however you say it. Meat, potatoes, and carrots ~ a comfort food that I love. This is an easy, yummy meal. Sometimes I cook the beef with vegetables, other times I just cook the meat and serve it over noodles or rice.

First, place diced potatoes, carrots, and celery in the crockpot. Add however many that you like.

Today we have a great post from my colleague, Debra, from Sweet Kisses and Dirty Dishes. Just the name of this soup makes this pregnant mama happy. Chow down! Thanks Debra.

When Stacy asked me to do a guest post for Fix-It-And-Forget Friday, I was smile-from-ear-to-ear-and-giggle-a-bit excited. I immediately started to think about what I would make… and failed three attempts in a row (though don’t worry, the recipe below is a winner!) That lead to three *cough* interesting meals. The food would have been fine if it had been cooked correctly, but I did not know how to use the crockpot for those recipes.

It never occurred to me that I could not just pick up my slightly dusty crock pot and make an amazing meal. I tend to think I can do anything, which leads to a lot of humbling experiences. Ooops. Chicken and broth. Chicken and broth. My crock pot did not realize it could do anything else. Except that one time it cooked meatloaf in a hotel overnight, but that was unusual circumstances. [Read more…]

Y’all today we have a guest post by my awesome friend, Becca from Frugal Wannabe. I met Becca at a workshop and she’s been a blessing to me ever since. Crock on!

I admit, I’m one of those weird people who can and will eat and/or make soup any time of year, even in summer. So, yes, I am bringing you a soup recipe when it’s warmish weather! I also love using my Crockpot, because I have 4 kids to care for during the day, which means almost no free time, and standing over the stove leaves plenty of opportunity to forget and burn food. I am known for burning grilled cheese sammiches. Oh well, on to the recipe!

To make this yummy soup, you need lots of fresh, yummy ingredients. You could use frozen if you want, but why, when you can use fresh?! Look at all this goodness.

See that onion? Don’t mind that. I forgot that I was using leeks and stuck it in the picture. Oh well, it still looks good, right? [Read more…]

Sometimes when I start out with a recipe, I have no idea where I’m going. I have a basic idea in mind….but usually my basic idea falls to the wayside. I was going with a traditional chili when I started, but then I decided to switch it up a bit and add some more color – then Calico Chili was born…..and I added the name Texas on it because I used stew beef instead of ground beef. Stew beef is bigger. Everything is bigger in Texas. Can you see my reasoning here? [Read more…]

I’m just going to tell you, the name of this soup is really weird….and kinda gross. If I had seen it in a cookbook, I would have made a nasty face and passed it by as quickly as possible. Curried? Sweet Potato and Carrot curry? EWWW! My great friend, Erinn sent me this recipe with the recommendation that it was awesome. I trust Erinn. I trust her enough to make her nasty sounding Curry Soup – that’s love. And guess what? I loved it! It has an amazing blend of flavors and they all pair together wonderfully! [Read more…]

I believe God created you to be the hero of your home. You CAN manage your home instead of it managing you. That’s why I empower women with simple solutions for their homemaking needs – because if it’s not easy, you won’t do it. {Read More…}

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I absolutely love your heartfelt writing. You make me smile, and I appreciate your candor, humor and righteous anger...even when you are mad :) My daughter needs to have you in her life and I am going to forward your site to her.

-Cora

YOU definitely make life better, easier and helpful!! So for all this I am thankful for you!!

-Carolyn

I am also very thankful for your writing!!! I've subscribed to many blogs, but yours is one I actually stop and read as soon as it hits my inbox. I love your authenticity and practical approach...and especially your humor....wish I'd had this 11 years ago when I first embarked on motherhood.

-Regan

I'm a longtime reader/follower. I have always appreciated how honest and real your writing is. I like not knowing what you'll write about next, and I like how sometimes you cover several topics in a post. You are funny and practical, and I've learned a lot from you (and Barry, too!) over the years. So, thank you!

-Tina

Thank you for putting your experience along with your sparky humor down to these posts! I even started to apply some of your tips into my days. :) I just started homeschool my first born and have three more so life gets busy and list of chores frustrating. So I just wanted to let you know That your posts refreshed one tired and uninspired mommy here in Czech republic!

-Linda

Stacy, you are oh-so relatable to me! I love the humor, but I really love the financial inspiration (debt-free since ’14!), the near-daily reminder that there are other children of God out there, and, of course, the food. Following you is a breath of fresh air.

Unfortunately, before the government will let me send you anything, you’ll need to check your email for a message I just sent you and confirm your subscription. This will also make sure you get the handy-dandy, free resource I promised.